When school district officials in New York City shut down a middle school in East Harlem because of poor performance, a group of community members partnered with AED to create a new school that not only would meet high academic standards, but would also reflect the diverse local population.

The result is the Global Neighborhood Secondary School—a name that reflects the mix and strength of the community—which ultimately will serve 525 students in grades 6 through 12. “The school’s challenging college–readiness curricula‚ focus on health and wellness‚ small learning environments‚ and emphasis on youth engagement are all based on what AED believes middle grades and high school students need to succeed‚” said Calvin Hastings’ project director in the AED Center for School and Community Services.

The rigorous lessons’ close student–teacher relationships‚ strong advisory program‚ and a partnership with the City University of New York prepare all GNSS students for college. AED is supporting the school’s implementation of these projects and its continuous improvement by providing coaching for teachers‚ professional development workshops‚ and guidance about best practices.

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